My ASD Child

"I have a recently diagnosed son and have just joined this site. Why all the talk about a gluten free and casein free diet for children with ASD? Just curious." There is a body of research that suggests that diet can affect a child's behavior. Allergic reactions to certain foods and sensitivities can make it worthwhile to monitor your son's diet and his reaction or subsequent behavior. Gluten and casein are two ingredients that are getting a lot of attention in the autism community. Some parents, doctors and researchers say that children with ASD have shown mild to dramatic improvements in speech and/or behavior after these substances were removed from their diet. Some parents report no benefits from the diet. Gluten and gluten-like proteins are found in wheat and other grains, including oats, rye, barley, bulgur, durum, kamut and spelt, and foods made from those grains. They are also found in food starches, semolina, couscous, malt, some vinegars, soy sauce...

Children with Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism (HFA) have the same rate of dental problems as the general population. As hard as it is for most children to go to the dentist, it’s even harder to have a positive dental experience for kids on the autism spectrum. Even so, there are some things you can do to improve the dental experience for your child. Click here for some tips (some will work and some won't, but everything here is worth a try)...

"We just discovered that our 8-year-old daughter has high functioning autism and ADHD! There is so much information on the Internet, and many suggestions seem to conflict with others. How do we know which path to take in raising our daughter given the challenges ahead?" As a parent of a child with ASD [or High-Functioning Autism], you may often feel that you never get any clear answers, direction, or support. From the time that your child is diagnosed, you may be bombarded with information and ideas on what you should NOT do, what you SHOULD do, WHEN you should do it, and then be told that it is a BAD IDEA. It is difficult to sort through this information and know if you are doing the right thing. This is why it's helpful to join a support group. Arm yourself with information and look to others to help you sort it out.   ==> Parenting Children & Teens on the Autism Spectrum: Support & Education Support groups can provide a "shoulder to cry...

"How do you deal with an Aspergers child (age 5) who frequently has severe temper tantrums whenever she doesn't get her way, for example, can't play here favorite game 24/7?" Click here for the full article...

"We are trying to decide between a traditional school setting and a special school for our 6-year-old son with high functioning autism. What are your thoughts?" Choosing the right school for any child can be a challenge, but finding one for a son or daughter on the autism spectrum (i.e., high-functioning autism or Asperger's) can create some real anxiety in parents. Every child deserves a good education, and the law provides that children with "disabilities" - including Autism - be educated with teachers trained in handling such challenges in practice; however, finding good teachers isn’t always easy! Parents must decide whether or not their child will be best managed in a mainstream school with a high rate of contact with "typical" children, or in a special school where the chances of the child coming in contact with mainstream children is considerably less. Special schools may have better educational programs for children on the auti...

Children with High Functioning Autism (HFA) and Aspergers, unfortunately, are at a higher risk of being bullied or teased than other children. This can happen on the playground, in the classroom - and even in your own home. Because many HFA children have some social and communication difficulties, they often can’t tell adults exactly what is happening. Thus, parents and teachers may have to consider bullying as a cause when certain behaviors occur or worsen in the child. Click here for the full article...  Highly Acclaimed Parenting Programs Offered by Online Parent Support, LLC : ==> How To Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums In Children With High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's ==> Parenting System that Significantly Reduces Defiant Behavior in Teens with Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism ==> Launching Adult Children with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance ==> Teaching Social Skills a...

"My son is often very critical of himself. He will make statements like, 'I'm dumb' or 'I can't do anything right.' How can I help him feel better about himself so that he stops putting himself down all the time?" Many children with ASD level 1, or High-Functioning Autism, struggle to accomplish tasks of daily life that are relatively easy for other children. While they may not show it in the same ways as other children, ASD kids struggle with self-esteem issues as much or more than kids without the disorder. Kids on the spectrum often don’t respond to things like hugs, but they can build self-esteem in other ways. One way to build self-esteem is to use a sticker system. Use a board that lists your child’s tasks (e.g., brushing teeth, dressing, eating meals, etc.), and help your child put stickers on the board whenever he or she is successful in completing a task. Another way to build self-esteem is to use a reward system that involves being...